US20120128340A1 - Camera-based mobile communication device and method for controlling flashlight thereof - Google Patents
Camera-based mobile communication device and method for controlling flashlight thereof Download PDFInfo
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- US20120128340A1 US20120128340A1 US12/980,363 US98036310A US2012128340A1 US 20120128340 A1 US20120128340 A1 US 20120128340A1 US 98036310 A US98036310 A US 98036310A US 2012128340 A1 US2012128340 A1 US 2012128340A1
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- 238000010295 mobile communication Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 92
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 21
- 230000001815 facial effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008450 motivation Effects 0.000 description 1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B15/00—Special procedures for taking photographs; Apparatus therefor
- G03B15/02—Illuminating scene
- G03B15/03—Combinations of cameras with lighting apparatus; Flash units
- G03B15/05—Combinations of cameras with electronic flash apparatus; Electronic flash units
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B2215/00—Special procedures for taking photographs; Apparatus therefor
- G03B2215/05—Combinations of cameras with electronic flash units
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a mobile communication device, and more particularly, to a camera-based mobile communication device with a backlight-condition determination mechanism.
- a user may use a camera mobile phone to photograph easily anytime anywhere, so that the user not only can keep every moment of sweet memory in life but also can record every detail at work or in life and entertainment. These factors closely related to daily life result in the rapid development of camera mobile phone.
- auxiliary functions such as auto zoom, autofocus, anti-shake and anti-red-eye, etc.
- the present invention aims to provide a camera-based mobile communication device, thereby alleviating the problem that an object to be photographed may appear darker relative to a background when the camera-based mobile communication device is under a backlight situation.
- a technical aspect of the present invention relates to a camera-based mobile communication device including a light sensor, a camera module, a flashlight, and a micro-processing unit (MPU).
- the light sensor is operable to detect a brightness value of an external light source.
- the camera module is operable to capture an image.
- the flashlight is operable to generate a flash.
- the MPU is electrically connected to the light sensor, the camera module, and the flashlight.
- the MPU includes a comparison module, a face recognizing module, and a flashlight control module.
- the comparison module is operable to compare the brightness value with a threshold brightness value.
- the face recognizing module is operable to determine whether there exists a facial feature in the image.
- the flashlight control module is operable to turn on the flashlight when the comparison module determines that the brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value; and the face recognizing module recognizes the facial feature from the image.
- the camera-based mobile communication device further includes a global positioning system (GPS) module.
- GPS global positioning system
- the GPS module is operable to obtain a latitude and longitude data about the position of the camera-based mobile communication device.
- the MPU further includes a solar azimuth calculating module.
- the solar azimuth calculating module is operable to calculate the solar azimuth of the position of the camera-based mobile communication device based on the latitude and longitude data and a current time.
- the camera-based mobile communication device further includes an electronic compass module.
- the electronic compass module is operable to obtain a photographing azimuth of the camera-based mobile communication device.
- the MPU further includes a backlight level calculating module.
- the backlight level calculating module is operable to calculate a backlight level of the camera module based on the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth.
- the camera-based mobile communication device further includes an angle adjusting device.
- the angle adjusting device is connected to the flashlight and is operable to adjust a projection angle of the flashlight.
- the MPU further includes an angle control module.
- the angle control module is operable to control the angle adjusting device based on the backlight level.
- the camera-based mobile communication device further includes a flashlight lens and an angle adjusting device.
- the flashlight lens is disposed on a light-emitting path of the flashlight and is operable to concentrate the flash.
- the angle adjusting device is connected to the flashlight lens and is operable to adjust an angle of the flashlight lens.
- the MPU further includes an angle control module. The angle control module is operable to control the angle adjusting device based on the backlight level.
- the flashlight control method includes: detecting a brightness value of an external light source; determining whether the brightness value is greater than a threshold brightness value; capturing an image and determining whether there exists a facial feature in the image; and, turning on the flashlight of the camera-based mobile communication device when the brightness value is determined to be greater than the threshold brightness value; and the facial feature is recognized from the image.
- the flashlight control method further includes: obtaining a latitude and longitude data about the position of the camera-based mobile communication device; calculating a solar azimuth of the position of the camera-based mobile communication device based on the latitude and longitude data and a current time; and, calculating a backlight level of the camera-based mobile communication device based on the solar azimuth.
- the flashlight control method further includes: obtaining a photographing azimuth of the camera-based mobile communication device, and calculating the backlight level of the camera-based mobile communication device based on the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth; determining whether the backlight level is greater than a threshold backlight level value; and, turning on the flashlight of the camera-based mobile communication device when the brightness value is determined to be greater than the threshold brightness value; the facial feature is recognized from the image; and the backlight level is determined to be greater than the threshold backlight level value.
- the flashlight control method further includes: controlling an angle adjusting device based on the backlight level to adjust a projection angle of the flashlight.
- the flashlight control method further includes: measuring a focal distance of a object to be photographed; and adjusting the intensity of the flashlight and the speed of a shutter based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed.
- embodiments of the present invention provide a camera-based mobile communication device, thereby alleviating the problem that an object to be photographed may appear darker with respect to a background when the camera-based mobile communication device is under a backlight situation. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention can adjust a projection angle of the flashlight by detecting the solar azimuth, thereby reducing uneven brightness of an image of the photographed object when the camera-based mobile communication device is under a semi-backlight situation.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a camera-based mobile communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 2A , 2 B and 2 C are schematic views showing a relationship among a camera-based mobile communication device, the sun and an object to be photographed according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flashlight control method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flashlight control method according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a camera-based mobile communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the camera-based mobile communication device 100 includes a light sensor 110 , a camera module 120 , a flashlight 160 and a micro-processing unit (MPU) 180 .
- the camera-based mobile communication device 100 may be a camera mobile phone.
- the MPU 180 includes a comparison module 181 , a face recognizing module 182 , a solar azimuth calculating module 183 , a backlight level calculating module 184 , an angle control module 185 and a flashlight control module 186 .
- the light sensor 110 is electrically connected to the comparison module 181
- the camera module 120 is electrically connected to the face recognizing module 182
- the flashlight 160 is electrically connected to the flashlight control module 186 .
- the light sensor 110 is operable to detect a brightness value of an external light source. For example, the light sensor 110 detects a large brightness value when the sun is shining.
- the comparison module 181 compares the above-mentioned brightness value with a threshold brightness value.
- a threshold brightness value In general, a common camera mobile phone sets only one threshold value, which is used to determine whether an external light source is sufficient. When the brightness value of the external light source is smaller than the threshold value, it means that the brightness of the external light source is insufficient, and thus it is necessary to enable a flash function of the camera mobile phone. In contrast, when the brightness value is greater than the threshold value, the flash function of the camera mobile phone is disabled.
- embodiments of the present invention additionally set a threshold brightness value different from the threshold value (the threshold brightness value is greater than the threshold value).
- the threshold brightness value is greater than the threshold value.
- the camera module 120 is operable to capture an image.
- a preview picture shown on a screen of the camera-based mobile communication device 100 is made by the camera-based mobile communication device 100 which first processes an image captured by the camera module 120 and then display the image on the screen.
- the face recognizing module 182 determines whether there exists a facial feature in the image, i.e. determines whether there is a facial feature appearing in the preview picture, thereby determining whether the camera module 120 photographs a character.
- the comparison module 181 determines that the brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value; and the face recognizing module 182 recognizes the facial feature from the image, i.e. when the external light source brightness for the camera-based mobile communication device 100 is adequately sufficient and the object to be photographed is a character rather than scenery, the camera-based mobile communication device 100 are very likely to be under a backlight situation, and the flashlight control module 181 controls and turns on the flashlight 160 , so that the flashlight 160 generates a flash when the user presses a shutter. Consequently, this embodiment can alleviate the problem that an object to be photographed may appear darker with respect to the background when the camera-based mobile communication device 100 is under a backlight situation.
- the solar azimuth calculating module 183 can determine a solar azimuth based on a current time. For example, an azimuth of the sun is an elevation angle of 70 degrees east by south if the current time is 10 a.m.
- the camera-based mobile communication device 100 further includes a global positioning system (GPS) module 130 , wherein the GPS module 130 is operable to obtain a latitude and longitude data about the position of the camera-based mobile communication device 100 . Thereafter, the solar azimuth calculating module 183 can calculate a more accurate solar azimuth of the position of the camera-based mobile communication device 100 based on the latitude and longitude data and the current time. Thus, if the camera-based mobile communication device 100 is equipped with the GPS module 130 , the solar azimuth calculating module 183 can calculate a more accurate solar azimuth.
- GPS global positioning system
- the camera-based mobile communication device 100 further includes an electronic compass module 140 , wherein the electronic compass module 140 can obtain a photographing azimuth of the camera-based mobile communication device 100 .
- the backlight level calculating module 184 calculates a backlight level of the camera module 120 based on the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth. In order to introduce the backlight level, please first refer to the following descriptions about FIGS. 2A , 2 B and 2 C.
- FIGS. 2A , 2 B and 2 C are schematic views showing a relationship among the camera-based mobile communication device 100 (a camera mobile phone), the sun and an object to be photographed according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the azimuth of the sun and the photographing azimuth of the camera mobile phone are substantially the same, so that a backlight problem will not occur.
- the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth of the camera mobile phone are 0 degrees apart, and thus in this case the backlight level is defined as 0 degrees.
- the azimuth of the sun and the photographing azimuth of the camera mobile phone are substantially opposite, thus causing a backlight problem.
- the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth of the camera mobile phone are 180 degrees apart, and thus the backlight level is defined as 180 degrees.
- FIG. 2C a semi-backlight situation is illustrated, wherein the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth of the camera mobile phone are 90 degrees apart. If the solar azimuth is taken as a standard azimuth and the clockwise direction is defined as a forward direction, the backlight level is 90 degrees.
- the backlight level may be defined according to practical requirements without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.
- the comparison module 181 is further operable to compare the backlight level with a threshold backlight level value, wherein the threshold backlight level value can be set by a manufacturer or the user himself/herself.
- the flashlight control module 186 is operable to turn on the flashlight when the comparison module 181 determines that the brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value; the face recognizing module 182 recognizes the facial feature from the image; and the backlight level is greater than the threshold backlight level value.
- the threshold backlight level value can be set by the manufacturer or the user as required, so that the camera-based mobile communication device 100 can obtain a desirable image.
- the camera-based mobile communication device 100 further includes an angle adjusting device 150 , wherein the angle adjusting device 150 is connected to the flashlight 160 and is operable to adjust a projection angle of the flashlight 160 . Since a left side brightness and a right side brightness of the image photographed by the camera-based mobile communication device 100 are uneven in a situation as shown in FIG. 2C , i.e. in a semi-backlight situation, the angle adjusting device 150 is required to adjust the projection angle of the flashlight 160 .
- the angle adjusting device 150 is controlled by the angle control module 185 based on the backlight level. For example, as shown in FIG. 2C , when the backlight level is 90 degrees, which represents that the sun is at a left side of the user, the angle control module 185 controls the angle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level (90 degrees), so that the flashlight 160 fills light towards the right side of the object to be photographed. In this way, a combination of the angle adjusting device 150 and the flashlight 160 can be used to alleviate the problem that the left side brightness and the right side brightness of an image of the photographed object are uneven in a semi-backlight situation.
- the camera-based mobile communication device 100 further includes the angle adjusting device 150 and a flashlight lens 170 .
- the flashlight lens 170 is disposed on a light-emitting path of the flashlight 160 , and is operable to concentrate the flash.
- the angle adjusting device 150 is connected to the flashlight lens 170 and is operable to adjust an angle of the flashlight lens 170 .
- the functions of the angle adjusting device to 150 have been described in the above and will not be described herein any more.
- the angle control module 185 controls the angle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level to correspondingly change the angle of the flashlight lens 170 , so as to adjust a light-concentrating direction of the flashlight lens 170 .
- the angle control module 185 controls the angle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level (90 degrees), so that the flashlight lens 170 concentrates light towards the right side of the object to be photographed.
- the flashlight lens 170 can be used together with the angle adjusting device 150 to alleviate the problem that the left brightness and the right brightness of an image of the photographed object are uneven in a semi-backlight situation.
- FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flashlight control method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- a brightness value of an external light source is detected first (step 310 ), wherein the light sensor 110 can be used to detect the brightness value of the external light source.
- the comparison module 181 can be used to determine whether the brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value.
- step 330 an image is captured and it is determined whether there exists a facial feature in the image (step 330 ).
- the camera module 120 can be used to capture the image
- the face recognizing module 182 can be used to determine whether there exists the facial feature in the image.
- the flashlight 160 of the camera-based mobile communication device 100 is turned on when the brightness value is determined to be greater than the threshold brightness value; and the facial feature is recognized from the image (step 340 ).
- step 340 since the brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value, the external light source brightness for the camera-based mobile communication device 100 is adequately sufficient.
- the facial feature is recognized from the image, it can be determined that the currently object to be photographed is a character rather than scenery. Accordingly, the camera-based mobile communication device 100 are very likely to be under a backlight situation, and the flashlight control module 181 controls and turns on the flashlight 160 , wherein the flashlight 160 generates a flash when the user presses the shutter. In this way, the embodiment can alleviate the problem that an object to be photographed may appear darker with respect to a background when the camera-based mobile communication device 100 is under a backlight situation.
- the angle adjusting device 150 is controlled based on the backlight level to adjust a projection angle of the flashlight 160 (step 350 ).
- the angle adjusting device 150 is connected to the flashlight 160 and is operable to adjust the projection angle of the flashlight 160 .
- the angle control module 185 controls the angle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level, thereby adjusting the projection angle of the flashlight 160 .
- the backlight level in step 350 has been explained in the description regarding FIGS. 2A , 2 B and 2 C, and will not be further described herein. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2C , when the backlight level is 90 degrees, which represents that the sun is at the left side of the user, the angle control module 185 controls the angle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level (90 degrees), so as to enable the flashlight 160 to fill light towards the right of the object to be photographed. In this way, a combination of the angle adjusting device 150 and the flashlight 160 can be used to alleviate the problem that the left side brightness and the right side brightness of an image of the photographed object are uneven in a semi-backlight situation.
- a focal distance of the object to be photographed is measured, and an intensity of the flashlight and a size of the shutter are adjusted based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed (step 360 ).
- an autofocus function of the camera module 120 can be used to measure the focal distance of the object to be photographed, and then the flashlight control module 186 can adjust the intensity of the flashlight based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed.
- the MPU 180 may further include a shutter control module, by which the size of the shutter can be adjusted based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed. For example, as the object to be photographed becomes farther away from the camera-based mobile communication device 100 (the focal distance becomes greater), the intensity of the flashlight is adjusted to be higher correspondingly. In this way, appropriate light compensation can be provided by the flashlight 160 for the object to be photographed, so that a brightness of an image of the photographed object becomes more even.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flashlight control method according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
- a brightness value of an external light source is detected first (step 410 ), wherein the light sensor 110 can be used to detect the brightness value of the external light source.
- the comparison module 181 can be used to determine whether the brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value.
- step 430 an image is captured and it is determined whether there exists a facial feature in the image (step 430 ).
- the camera module 120 can be used to capture the image
- the face recognizing module 182 can be used to determine whether there exists the facial feature in the image.
- latitude and longitude data about a position of the camera-based mobile communication device 100 is obtained, and a solar azimuth of the position of the camera-based mobile communication device 100 is calculated based on the latitude and longitude data and a current time (step 440 ).
- the GPS module 130 can be used to obtain the latitude and longitude data about the position of the camera-based mobile communication device 100 , and then the solar azimuth calculating module 183 can be used to calculate the solar azimuth of the position of the camera-based mobile communication device 100 based on the latitude and longitude data and the current time.
- the solar azimuth calculating module 183 can calculate a more accurate solar azimuth.
- a photographing azimuth of the camera-based mobile communication device is obtained, and a backlight level of the camera-based mobile communication device is calculated based on the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth (step 450 ).
- the electronic compass module 140 can be used to obtain the photographing azimuth of the camera-based mobile communication device 100 , and then the backlight level calculating module 184 can be used to calculate the backlight level of the camera-based mobile communication device 100 based on the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth.
- the backlight level has been explained in the description regarding FIGS. 2A , 2 B and 2 C, and will not be further described herein.
- the comparison module 181 can be used to compare the backlight level with the threshold backlight level value, wherein the threshold backlight level value can be set by a manufacturer or the user himself/herself.
- the flashlight 160 of the camera-based mobile communication device is turned on when the brightness value is determined to be greater than the threshold brightness value; the facial feature is recognized from the image; and the backlight level is determined to be greater than the threshold backlight level value (step 470 ).
- the flashlight control module 186 controls and turns on the flashlight 160 when the comparison module 181 determines that the brightness to value is greater than the threshold brightness value, the face recognizing module 182 recognizes the facial feature from the image and the backlight level is determined to be greater than the threshold backlight level value.
- the threshold backlight level value can be set by the manufacturer or the user as required, so that the camera-based mobile communication device 100 can photograph and obtain a desirable image.
- the angle adjusting device 150 is controlled based on the backlight level to adjust a projection angle of the flashlight 160 (step 480 ).
- the angle adjusting device 150 is connected to the flashlight 160 and is operable to adjust the projection angle of the flashlight 160 .
- the angle control module 185 controls the angle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level, thereby adjusting the projection angle of the flashlight 160 .
- step 480 when the backlight level is 90 degrees, which represents that the sun is at the left side of the user, the angle control module 185 controls the angle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level (90 degrees), so that the flashlight 160 fills light towards the right of the object to be photographed.
- the angle control module 185 controls the angle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level (90 degrees), so that the flashlight 160 fills light towards the right of the object to be photographed.
- the angle adjusting device 150 and the flashlight 160 can be used to alleviate the problem that the left brightness and the right brightness of an image of the photographed object are uneven in a semi-backlight situation.
- a focal distance of the object to be photographed is measured, and the intensity of the flashlight and the speed of the shutter are adjusted based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed (step 490 ).
- an autofocus function of the camera module 120 can be used to measure the focal distance of the object to be photographed, and then the flashlight control module 186 can adjust the intensity of the flashlight based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed.
- the MPU 180 may further include a shutter control module by which the speed of the shutter can be adjusted based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed. For example, as the object to be photographed becomes farther away from the camera-based mobile communication device 100 (the focal distance becomes greater), the intensity of the flashlight is adjusted to be higher correspondingly. In this way, appropriate light compensation can be provided by the flashlight 160 for the object to be photographed, so that a brightness of an image of the photographed object becomes more even.
- the application of the present invention has the following advantages.
- the embodiments of the present invention provide a camera-based mobile communication device, thereby alleviating the problem that an object to be photographed may appear darker with respect to a background when the camera-based mobile communication device is under a backlight situation.
- the embodiments of the present invention adjust a projection angle of the flashlight by determining a solar azimuth, thereby alleviating the problem that a brightness of the object to be photographed is uneven when the camera-based mobile communication device is under a semi-backlight situation.
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to Taiwan Application Serial Number 099140005, filed Nov. 19, 2010, which is herein incorporated by reference.
- 1. Field of Invention
- The present invention relates to a mobile communication device, and more particularly, to a camera-based mobile communication device with a backlight-condition determination mechanism.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- With the development of science and technology, it is possible to integrate a mobile phone with a digital camera. Although pixel quality of a mobile phone's built-in camera and image effects of the same still cannot reach the standards of common digital cameras currently, yet a camera mobile phone actually provides a user with “ready to photograph” convenience.
- At present, more and more users join in mobile photographing. From the analysis of motivation for the mobile photographing, a user may use a camera mobile phone to photograph easily anytime anywhere, so that the user not only can keep every moment of sweet memory in life but also can record every detail at work or in life and entertainment. These factors closely related to daily life result in the rapid development of camera mobile phone.
- In general, since the development of pixel quality of a camera mobile phone is limited, the development of a camera mobile phone's photography function mainly trends to collaborating with auxiliary functions, such as auto zoom, autofocus, anti-shake and anti-red-eye, etc.
- However, when a camera mobile phone under a backlight situation, a character in the picture is often too dark to have a satisfying photographic quality, because of too strong background light. The current camera mobile phone is not equipped with the function for overcoming the problems caused by backlight. Therefore, the camera mobile phone needs further improvements.
- The present invention aims to provide a camera-based mobile communication device, thereby alleviating the problem that an object to be photographed may appear darker relative to a background when the camera-based mobile communication device is under a backlight situation.
- In order to achieve the aforementioned object, a technical aspect of the present invention relates to a camera-based mobile communication device including a light sensor, a camera module, a flashlight, and a micro-processing unit (MPU). The light sensor is operable to detect a brightness value of an external light source. The camera module is operable to capture an image. The flashlight is operable to generate a flash.
- In addition, the MPU is electrically connected to the light sensor, the camera module, and the flashlight. The MPU includes a comparison module, a face recognizing module, and a flashlight control module. The comparison module is operable to compare the brightness value with a threshold brightness value. The face recognizing module is operable to determine whether there exists a facial feature in the image. The flashlight control module is operable to turn on the flashlight when the comparison module determines that the brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value; and the face recognizing module recognizes the facial feature from the image.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera-based mobile communication device further includes a global positioning system (GPS) module. The GPS module is operable to obtain a latitude and longitude data about the position of the camera-based mobile communication device. The MPU further includes a solar azimuth calculating module. The solar azimuth calculating module is operable to calculate the solar azimuth of the position of the camera-based mobile communication device based on the latitude and longitude data and a current time.
- According to another embodiment of the present invention, the camera-based mobile communication device further includes an electronic compass module. The electronic compass module is operable to obtain a photographing azimuth of the camera-based mobile communication device. The MPU further includes a backlight level calculating module. The backlight level calculating module is operable to calculate a backlight level of the camera module based on the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth.
- According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the camera-based mobile communication device further includes an angle adjusting device. The angle adjusting device is connected to the flashlight and is operable to adjust a projection angle of the flashlight. The MPU further includes an angle control module. The angle control module is operable to control the angle adjusting device based on the backlight level.
- According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the camera-based mobile communication device further includes a flashlight lens and an angle adjusting device. The flashlight lens is disposed on a light-emitting path of the flashlight and is operable to concentrate the flash. The angle adjusting device is connected to the flashlight lens and is operable to adjust an angle of the flashlight lens. The MPU further includes an angle control module. The angle control module is operable to control the angle adjusting device based on the backlight level.
- Another technical aspect of the present invention relates to a flashlight control method, which is applicable to a camera-based mobile communication device, wherein the camera-based mobile communication device includes a flashlight. The flashlight control method includes: detecting a brightness value of an external light source; determining whether the brightness value is greater than a threshold brightness value; capturing an image and determining whether there exists a facial feature in the image; and, turning on the flashlight of the camera-based mobile communication device when the brightness value is determined to be greater than the threshold brightness value; and the facial feature is recognized from the image.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight control method further includes: obtaining a latitude and longitude data about the position of the camera-based mobile communication device; calculating a solar azimuth of the position of the camera-based mobile communication device based on the latitude and longitude data and a current time; and, calculating a backlight level of the camera-based mobile communication device based on the solar azimuth.
- According to another embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight control method further includes: obtaining a photographing azimuth of the camera-based mobile communication device, and calculating the backlight level of the camera-based mobile communication device based on the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth; determining whether the backlight level is greater than a threshold backlight level value; and, turning on the flashlight of the camera-based mobile communication device when the brightness value is determined to be greater than the threshold brightness value; the facial feature is recognized from the image; and the backlight level is determined to be greater than the threshold backlight level value.
- According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight control method further includes: controlling an angle adjusting device based on the backlight level to adjust a projection angle of the flashlight.
- According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight control method further includes: measuring a focal distance of a object to be photographed; and adjusting the intensity of the flashlight and the speed of a shutter based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed.
- Therefore, according to the technical contents of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention provide a camera-based mobile communication device, thereby alleviating the problem that an object to be photographed may appear darker with respect to a background when the camera-based mobile communication device is under a backlight situation. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention can adjust a projection angle of the flashlight by detecting the solar azimuth, thereby reducing uneven brightness of an image of the photographed object when the camera-based mobile communication device is under a semi-backlight situation.
- The following and other objectives, features, advantages and embodiments of the present invention can be more fully understood, with reference made to the accompanying drawings as follows:
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FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a camera-based mobile communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 2A , 2B and 2C are schematic views showing a relationship among a camera-based mobile communication device, the sun and an object to be photographed according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flashlight control method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flashlight control method according to a further embodiment of the present invention. - The present invention will be described in the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, but these embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. The description of structure operation does not mean to limit its implementation order. Any device with equivalent functions that is produced from a structure formed by recombination of elements shall fall within the scope of the present invention. The drawings are only illustrative and are not made according to the original size.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a camera-basedmobile communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The camera-basedmobile communication device 100 includes alight sensor 110, acamera module 120, aflashlight 160 and a micro-processing unit (MPU) 180. The camera-basedmobile communication device 100 may be a camera mobile phone. - In addition, the
MPU 180 includes acomparison module 181, aface recognizing module 182, a solarazimuth calculating module 183, a backlightlevel calculating module 184, anangle control module 185 and aflashlight control module 186. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , thelight sensor 110 is electrically connected to thecomparison module 181, and thecamera module 120 is electrically connected to theface recognizing module 182, and theflashlight 160 is electrically connected to theflashlight control module 186. - In operation, the
light sensor 110 is operable to detect a brightness value of an external light source. For example, thelight sensor 110 detects a large brightness value when the sun is shining. - Then, the
comparison module 181 compares the above-mentioned brightness value with a threshold brightness value. In general, a common camera mobile phone sets only one threshold value, which is used to determine whether an external light source is sufficient. When the brightness value of the external light source is smaller than the threshold value, it means that the brightness of the external light source is insufficient, and thus it is necessary to enable a flash function of the camera mobile phone. In contrast, when the brightness value is greater than the threshold value, the flash function of the camera mobile phone is disabled. - However, embodiments of the present invention additionally set a threshold brightness value different from the threshold value (the threshold brightness value is greater than the threshold value). When the brightness value of the external light source is greater than the threshold brightness value, it means that the brightness of the external light source is too sufficient and is very likely to cause a backlight situation.
- Moreover, the
camera module 120 is operable to capture an image. For example, a preview picture shown on a screen of the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 is made by the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 which first processes an image captured by thecamera module 120 and then display the image on the screen. - Thereafter, the
face recognizing module 182 determines whether there exists a facial feature in the image, i.e. determines whether there is a facial feature appearing in the preview picture, thereby determining whether thecamera module 120 photographs a character. - Furthermore, when the
comparison module 181 determines that the brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value; and theface recognizing module 182 recognizes the facial feature from the image, i.e. when the external light source brightness for the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 is adequately sufficient and the object to be photographed is a character rather than scenery, the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 are very likely to be under a backlight situation, and theflashlight control module 181 controls and turns on theflashlight 160, so that theflashlight 160 generates a flash when the user presses a shutter. Consequently, this embodiment can alleviate the problem that an object to be photographed may appear darker with respect to the background when the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 is under a backlight situation. - In an optional embodiment, the solar
azimuth calculating module 183 can determine a solar azimuth based on a current time. For example, an azimuth of the sun is an elevation angle of 70 degrees east by south if the current time is 10 a.m. - However, the camera-based
mobile communication device 100 further includes a global positioning system (GPS)module 130, wherein theGPS module 130 is operable to obtain a latitude and longitude data about the position of the camera-basedmobile communication device 100. Thereafter, the solarazimuth calculating module 183 can calculate a more accurate solar azimuth of the position of the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 based on the latitude and longitude data and the current time. Thus, if the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 is equipped with theGPS module 130, the solarazimuth calculating module 183 can calculate a more accurate solar azimuth. - In another embodiment, the camera-based
mobile communication device 100 further includes anelectronic compass module 140, wherein theelectronic compass module 140 can obtain a photographing azimuth of the camera-basedmobile communication device 100. The backlightlevel calculating module 184 calculates a backlight level of thecamera module 120 based on the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth. In order to introduce the backlight level, please first refer to the following descriptions aboutFIGS. 2A , 2B and 2C. -
FIGS. 2A , 2B and 2C are schematic views showing a relationship among the camera-based mobile communication device 100 (a camera mobile phone), the sun and an object to be photographed according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 2A , the azimuth of the sun and the photographing azimuth of the camera mobile phone are substantially the same, so that a backlight problem will not occur. In this embodiment, the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth of the camera mobile phone are 0 degrees apart, and thus in this case the backlight level is defined as 0 degrees. - Referring to
FIG. 2B , the azimuth of the sun and the photographing azimuth of the camera mobile phone are substantially opposite, thus causing a backlight problem. In this case, the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth of the camera mobile phone are 180 degrees apart, and thus the backlight level is defined as 180 degrees. In addition, referring toFIG. 2C , a semi-backlight situation is illustrated, wherein the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth of the camera mobile phone are 90 degrees apart. If the solar azimuth is taken as a standard azimuth and the clockwise direction is defined as a forward direction, the backlight level is 90 degrees. However, the above description does not intend to limit the present invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the backlight level may be defined according to practical requirements without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , thecomparison module 181 is further operable to compare the backlight level with a threshold backlight level value, wherein the threshold backlight level value can be set by a manufacturer or the user himself/herself. - Then, the
flashlight control module 186 is operable to turn on the flashlight when thecomparison module 181 determines that the brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value; theface recognizing module 182 recognizes the facial feature from the image; and the backlight level is greater than the threshold backlight level value. In this way, the threshold backlight level value can be set by the manufacturer or the user as required, so that the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 can obtain a desirable image. - In other embodiments, the camera-based
mobile communication device 100 further includes anangle adjusting device 150, wherein theangle adjusting device 150 is connected to theflashlight 160 and is operable to adjust a projection angle of theflashlight 160. Since a left side brightness and a right side brightness of the image photographed by the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 are uneven in a situation as shown inFIG. 2C , i.e. in a semi-backlight situation, theangle adjusting device 150 is required to adjust the projection angle of theflashlight 160. - Furthermore, the
angle adjusting device 150 is controlled by theangle control module 185 based on the backlight level. For example, as shown inFIG. 2C , when the backlight level is 90 degrees, which represents that the sun is at a left side of the user, theangle control module 185 controls theangle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level (90 degrees), so that theflashlight 160 fills light towards the right side of the object to be photographed. In this way, a combination of theangle adjusting device 150 and theflashlight 160 can be used to alleviate the problem that the left side brightness and the right side brightness of an image of the photographed object are uneven in a semi-backlight situation. - In an optional embodiment, the camera-based
mobile communication device 100 further includes theangle adjusting device 150 and aflashlight lens 170. Theflashlight lens 170 is disposed on a light-emitting path of theflashlight 160, and is operable to concentrate the flash. Theangle adjusting device 150 is connected to theflashlight lens 170 and is operable to adjust an angle of theflashlight lens 170. The functions of the angle adjusting device to 150 have been described in the above and will not be described herein any more. - Furthermore, the
angle control module 185 controls theangle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level to correspondingly change the angle of theflashlight lens 170, so as to adjust a light-concentrating direction of theflashlight lens 170. For example, as shown inFIG. 2C , when the backlight level is 90 degrees, which represents that the sun is at the left side of the user, theangle control module 185 controls theangle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level (90 degrees), so that theflashlight lens 170 concentrates light towards the right side of the object to be photographed. In this way, theflashlight lens 170 can be used together with theangle adjusting device 150 to alleviate the problem that the left brightness and the right brightness of an image of the photographed object are uneven in a semi-backlight situation. -
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flashlight control method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to bothFIG. 1 andFIG. 3 , a brightness value of an external light source is detected first (step 310), wherein thelight sensor 110 can be used to detect the brightness value of the external light source. Next, it is determined whether the brightness value is greater than a threshold brightness value (step 320), wherein thecomparison module 181 can be used to determine whether the brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value. - Thereafter, an image is captured and it is determined whether there exists a facial feature in the image (step 330). In
step 330, thecamera module 120 can be used to capture the image, and theface recognizing module 182 can be used to determine whether there exists the facial feature in the image. - Subsequently, the
flashlight 160 of the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 is turned on when the brightness value is determined to be greater than the threshold brightness value; and the facial feature is recognized from the image (step 340). - In
step 340, since the brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value, the external light source brightness for the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 is adequately sufficient. In addition, since the facial feature is recognized from the image, it can be determined that the currently object to be photographed is a character rather than scenery. Accordingly, the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 are very likely to be under a backlight situation, and theflashlight control module 181 controls and turns on theflashlight 160, wherein theflashlight 160 generates a flash when the user presses the shutter. In this way, the embodiment can alleviate the problem that an object to be photographed may appear darker with respect to a background when the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 is under a backlight situation. - After the step of turning on the
flashlight 160, theangle adjusting device 150 is controlled based on the backlight level to adjust a projection angle of the flashlight 160 (step 350). In this step, theangle adjusting device 150 is connected to theflashlight 160 and is operable to adjust the projection angle of theflashlight 160. Thus, theangle control module 185 controls theangle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level, thereby adjusting the projection angle of theflashlight 160. - The backlight level in
step 350 has been explained in the description regardingFIGS. 2A , 2B and 2C, and will not be further described herein. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 2C , when the backlight level is 90 degrees, which represents that the sun is at the left side of the user, theangle control module 185 controls theangle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level (90 degrees), so as to enable theflashlight 160 to fill light towards the right of the object to be photographed. In this way, a combination of theangle adjusting device 150 and theflashlight 160 can be used to alleviate the problem that the left side brightness and the right side brightness of an image of the photographed object are uneven in a semi-backlight situation. - After the projection angle of the
flashlight 160 is adjusted, a focal distance of the object to be photographed is measured, and an intensity of the flashlight and a size of the shutter are adjusted based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed (step 360). - In
step 360, an autofocus function of thecamera module 120 can be used to measure the focal distance of the object to be photographed, and then theflashlight control module 186 can adjust the intensity of the flashlight based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed. In this step, theMPU 180 may further include a shutter control module, by which the size of the shutter can be adjusted based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed. For example, as the object to be photographed becomes farther away from the camera-based mobile communication device 100 (the focal distance becomes greater), the intensity of the flashlight is adjusted to be higher correspondingly. In this way, appropriate light compensation can be provided by theflashlight 160 for the object to be photographed, so that a brightness of an image of the photographed object becomes more even. -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flashlight control method according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Referring to bothFIG. 1 andFIG. 4 , a brightness value of an external light source is detected first (step 410), wherein thelight sensor 110 can be used to detect the brightness value of the external light source. Next, it is determined whether the brightness value is greater than a threshold brightness value (step 420), wherein thecomparison module 181 can be used to determine whether the brightness value is greater than the threshold brightness value. - Thereafter, an image is captured and it is determined whether there exists a facial feature in the image (step 430). In
step 430, thecamera module 120 can be used to capture the image, and theface recognizing module 182 can be used to determine whether there exists the facial feature in the image. - Subsequently, latitude and longitude data about a position of the camera-based
mobile communication device 100 is obtained, and a solar azimuth of the position of the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 is calculated based on the latitude and longitude data and a current time (step 440). - In
step 440, theGPS module 130 can be used to obtain the latitude and longitude data about the position of the camera-basedmobile communication device 100, and then the solarazimuth calculating module 183 can be used to calculate the solar azimuth of the position of the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 based on the latitude and longitude data and the current time. Compared with the solarazimuth calculating module 183 which calculates the solar azimuth only based on the current time, if the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 is equipped with theGPS module 130 to obtain the latitude and longitude data, the solarazimuth calculating module 183 can calculate a more accurate solar azimuth. - After the solar azimuth is calculated, a photographing azimuth of the camera-based mobile communication device is obtained, and a backlight level of the camera-based mobile communication device is calculated based on the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth (step 450). In
step 450, theelectronic compass module 140 can be used to obtain the photographing azimuth of the camera-basedmobile communication device 100, and then the backlightlevel calculating module 184 can be used to calculate the backlight level of the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 based on the solar azimuth and the photographing azimuth. The backlight level has been explained in the description regardingFIGS. 2A , 2B and 2C, and will not be further described herein. - After the backlight level is calculated, it is determined whether the backlight level is greater than a threshold backlight level value (step 460). In this step, the
comparison module 181 can be used to compare the backlight level with the threshold backlight level value, wherein the threshold backlight level value can be set by a manufacturer or the user himself/herself. - Furthermore, the
flashlight 160 of the camera-based mobile communication device is turned on when the brightness value is determined to be greater than the threshold brightness value; the facial feature is recognized from the image; and the backlight level is determined to be greater than the threshold backlight level value (step 470). - In
step 470, theflashlight control module 186 controls and turns on theflashlight 160 when thecomparison module 181 determines that the brightness to value is greater than the threshold brightness value, theface recognizing module 182 recognizes the facial feature from the image and the backlight level is determined to be greater than the threshold backlight level value. In this Way, the threshold backlight level value can be set by the manufacturer or the user as required, so that the camera-basedmobile communication device 100 can photograph and obtain a desirable image. - After the
flashlight 160 is turned on, theangle adjusting device 150 is controlled based on the backlight level to adjust a projection angle of the flashlight 160 (step 480). In this step, theangle adjusting device 150 is connected to theflashlight 160 and is operable to adjust the projection angle of theflashlight 160. Thus, theangle control module 185 controls theangle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level, thereby adjusting the projection angle of theflashlight 160. - In
step 480, as shown inFIG. 2C , when the backlight level is 90 degrees, which represents that the sun is at the left side of the user, theangle control module 185 controls theangle adjusting device 150 based on the backlight level (90 degrees), so that theflashlight 160 fills light towards the right of the object to be photographed. In this way, a combination of theangle adjusting device 150 and theflashlight 160 can be used to alleviate the problem that the left brightness and the right brightness of an image of the photographed object are uneven in a semi-backlight situation. - After the projection angle of the
flashlight 160 is adjusted, a focal distance of the object to be photographed is measured, and the intensity of the flashlight and the speed of the shutter are adjusted based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed (step 490). - In
step 490, an autofocus function of thecamera module 120 can be used to measure the focal distance of the object to be photographed, and then theflashlight control module 186 can adjust the intensity of the flashlight based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed. In this step, theMPU 180 may further include a shutter control module by which the speed of the shutter can be adjusted based on the focal distance of the object to be photographed. For example, as the object to be photographed becomes farther away from the camera-based mobile communication device 100 (the focal distance becomes greater), the intensity of the flashlight is adjusted to be higher correspondingly. In this way, appropriate light compensation can be provided by theflashlight 160 for the object to be photographed, so that a brightness of an image of the photographed object becomes more even. - As can be known from the above embodiments, the application of the present invention has the following advantages. The embodiments of the present invention provide a camera-based mobile communication device, thereby alleviating the problem that an object to be photographed may appear darker with respect to a background when the camera-based mobile communication device is under a backlight situation. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention adjust a projection angle of the flashlight by determining a solar azimuth, thereby alleviating the problem that a brightness of the object to be photographed is uneven when the camera-based mobile communication device is under a semi-backlight situation.
- Although the present invention has been disclosed with reference to the above embodiments, these embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
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TWI419063B (en) | 2013-12-11 |
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